- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
John Edward Gross
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag
January 15, 2021
Vol. VII, p. 323
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per bend sinister grady Azure charged with a heart and Argent semé of hearts, all counterchanged;
Crest
A peacock affronty in his pride proper, crowned of a coronet and issuant from a circlet of mullets Argent and roses Gules;
Motto
HAZ SIEMPRE LO CORRECTO;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The hearts represent devotion and loyalty to family, the large one symbolizing blood relations and the small ones alluding to the “chosen family” that one adopts throughout life. The stepped diagonal line denotes the ascending course of life and Mr. Gross’s journey to his current home and career in Canada. Its shape alludes to an escarpment and thus to Lake Bluff, Illinois, his hometown.
Crest
The peacock represents creativity, elegance, cleverness and confidence. Its feathers naturally overflow with shapes that resemble eyes, symbolizing the abundance of knowledge and experience that one can gather by keeping an open mind and seeing life from many different angles. The coronet represents Mr. Gross’s public service and devotion to the Crown. The stars and roses, representing the United States of America, honour his country of birth. The combination of white and red alludes to Canada.
Motto
Meaning “Always do the right thing,” this Spanish phrase was a lesson taught to Mr. Gross in childhood by his parents, and represents the personal and professional integrity to which he aspires. It appears in this language to illustrate his devotion to Spanish.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 27, 2021, in Volume 155, page 1321 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of John Gross, Teva Vidal and Samantha Lafleur, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual